The claims for this fragrance-free toner go way beyond what it can actually do for your skin. Argan oil, which Josie Maran uses extensively, is not the cure-all it's made out to be, and there's no legitimate research proving otherwise. Like all non-fragrant plant oils, it's a beneficial ingredient for dry skin due to the fatty acids and antioxidants it contains. This toner contains some helpful skin-repairing ingredients, but they cannot reverse sun damage—at least not to the extent the claims imply.

Another part of the claims goes on about stem cells from sea fennel. That sounds impressive, but a sea plant's stem cells cannot help your skin any more than human stem cells can revive a wilting plant. Stem cells from sea fennel could only possibly make more sea fennel, not human skin. Even more to the point, stem cells must be alive to have any benefit, and in this product they are long dead and useless.

Despite claims that go beyond what's possible, this spray-on toner has a fairly impressive formula that's best for normal to dry skin. It will hydrate and help repair skin’s surface, although it would be even better with a broader range of antioxidants and some cell-communicating ingredients. Still, it's a step above a typical toner formula, and is worth considering if the price doesn't give you pause (you'll find less expensive options on our Best Toners list).

Does not contain needless irritants that often are present in toners (examples: menthol and citrus oils).

Cons:

Expensive.

Could use a broader range of antioxidants and the addition of cell-communicating ingredients that all skin types need to improve signs of aging.

The claims are a stretch of what's possible from products like this (it cannot reverse sun damage and the plant stem cells won't generate new cells).

More Info:

All of Josie Maran's products contain argan oil. Despite how they market this ingredient, it isn't a cure-all or a must-have for your skin. Argan oil is merely a good, non-fragrant plant oil that's best for dry skin. Like all non-fragrant plant oils, it is a natural source of beneficial fatty acids (skin-repairing ingredients) and antioxidants. You can read more about the folklore and genuine benefits behind argan oil here.

Claims

This lightweight formula harnesses the power of Argan Oil, the Moroccan cure-all, to naturally nourish and hydrate skin while smoothing fine lines. Infused with naturally-derived stem cells harvested from sea fennel, the innovative formula stimulates new cell growth, repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun, fights signs of aging and improves skin tone for a radiant, renewed complexion.

The Josie Maran brand was founded by supermodel and former Maybelline spokeswoman Josie Maran. By almost any definition, Maran is an iconic beauty. Like Cindy Crawford before her, who launched a namesake product line, Maran used her notoriety from modeling to do the same thing.

Anytime a model with celebrity status launches a cosmetic line, the curiosity among consumers is intense. The question lingers: Is Maran so beautiful because of these products? Of course not! She was magnificent long before her products were launched, and being born beautiful is not a sign of skin-care knowledge.

Almost every Josie Maran product is centered around the allegedly miraculous argan oil. This non-fragrant plant oil is said to do everything from reduce wrinkles to heal acne, while giving you younger-looking skin. Argan oil isn't a bad ingredient, as it contains beneficial lipids and fatty acids for skin, as well as vitamin E and other antioxidants, but it isn't the only oil that has these kinds of properties. Even more to the point, no single ingredient does it all for skin. It's just like your diet: if you eat only one type of food, you'd soon be malnourished. Skin is the body's largest organ, and it requires a variety of useful ingredients to look and function at its best.

It's worth pointing out also that although argan oil does have benefit for skin, it's gimmicky at best to include it in products like eyeshadow and mascara, but that's what you'll find in Maran's line. Oil in a mascara and eyeshadow will make those products slip and slide off your face and lashes, but there is barely any in her makeup products so not to worry. Even if argan oil had benefit in makeup, it wouldn't remain stable—it would quickly turn rancid when exposed to air.

Despite some high points, the makeup fails overall because when compared to less expensive options at the drugstore, Maran's color options are more average than exceptional.

Although makeup comprises the bulk of this line's offerings, Maran has several skin-care products, too. None of them are must-haves, although a handful of them have decent formulas. Like most lines that use predominantly natural ingredients, there are some fragrant oils present that smell great, but they can irritate your skin and lead to collagen breakdown.

Many of Maran's products are labeled as having a "natural formula," which often is not the case; there are plenty of synthetic ingredients present, including silicones and a synthetic film-forming agent. Those are not bad for skin, but it just shows that you can't trust the company's claims.

The Beautypedia Research Team is dedicated to helping you find the absolute best products for your skin, using research-based criteria to review beauty products from an honest, balanced perspective. Each member of the team was personally trained by Paula Begoun herself.